Baking during the holiday season is a delightful way to infuse your home with the warmth and aroma of the Christmas spirit. In Denmark, Christmas baking is a cherished tradition, celebrating the season with delicious homemade treats. One popular Danish Christmas baking recipe that embodies the festive spirit is Mørdejskranse, which translates to Shortcrust Rings. These delicate and buttery shortcrust rings are a joy to make and a delight to share with loved ones during this special time of year.
**Mørdejskranse Shortcrust Rings**
**Ingredients:**
– 250g all-purpose flour
– 125g granulated sugar
– 200g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 50g chopped almonds, toasted
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and granulated sugar, then add the cold cubed butter.
3. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour and sugar mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl, then mix everything together until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
5. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1 cm thickness.
6. Using a cookie cutter, cut out circles from the dough. Then, cut out the centers of each circle to create rings.
7. Place the rings on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle the toasted almonds on top of each ring.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the shortcrust rings are golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the rings to cool on a wire rack.
10. Once completely cooled, dust the Mørdejskranse with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Christmas is the perfect time to gather around the kitchen and create special memories with loved ones. Making these Mørdejskranse Shortcrust Rings is a wonderful way to embrace Danish holiday traditions and savor the joy of baking together. The buttery texture and nutty flavor of these rings make them a delightful addition to any festive spread. So, why not add a touch of Danish flair to your Christmas celebrations this year with these delicious shortcrust treats? Enjoy baking and sharing the warmth of the season with those you love.
